6/4/99

Undergraduate commencement speaker Leon Harris is among five individuals who will receive honorary degrees at Ohio University's three graduation ceremonies June 11 and 12 in the Convocation Center.

Harris, who graduated cum laude from Ohio University in 1983 with a bachelor's degree in communication, will receive an honorary doctorate of mass communications at the 10 a.m. ceremony on June 12.

The University Committee on Honorary Degrees has also recommended that Ohio University honor the persons listed below through the conferral of an honorary doctoral degree:

Murray Lewis

Murray Louis is an internationally renowned dancer and choreographer, known for his innovative work in art education. He has choreographed more than 60 major works, including two pieces for Rudolf Nureyev. He has helped define the pedagogical principles of movement for the Nikolais-Louis Technique, practiced in the Ohio University School of Dance. Louis has worked closely with the university to secure for Alden Library the donation of the Nikolais-Louis Dance Archives, a comprehensive collection of photographs, videos, films, audiotapes and print materials that will become a major repository for dance and theater researchers. Most recently, he has been nominated for a National Medal of Arts. Louis will receive an honorary degree of performing arts at the 10 a.m ceremony on June 12.

Miguel Lamport

Guatemalan Minister of Public Finance Pedro Miguel Lamport has played a key role in his country's political and economic development, serving on several committees and as ambassador to the United States from 1996 to 1998. He has worked closely with the Ohio University Libraries in recent years and has supported its designation as the official depository in the United States for the publications of Guatemala. This designation has strengthened the university's Central American archive collection and Latin American Studies program. He will receive an honorary degree in public service at the 2 p.m. ceremony on June 12.

Benny Ray Bailey

Benny Ray Bailey, a 1975 graduate of the university, serves as a Kentucky state senator and is known for his work to improve medical care and education in the impoverished areas of Kentucky. He has established a medical college and a medical service network in eastern Kentucky, published a number of papers on rural health needs and received more than 10 public leadership and service awards. Bailey will receive an honorary degree of public service at the graduate ceremony at 10 a.m. June 11.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand

King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand is renowned for his commitment to human development. He has created several foundations to address issues such as public health, education, the environment and disaster relief. His country's longest-reigning monarch, he ascended to the throne in 1946 and serves as highest commander of the armed forces, the country's supreme representative in foreign affairs and head of the country's Buddhist religion. During the past decade, Ohio University has established strong links with Bangkok University, including the creation of a joint doctorate program in organizational communication. King Bhumibol is being recognized for his country's ties to the Athens campus. He will receive an honorary degree of laws, but will not be attending commencement.